Baptist Church Colne

Formed in the 18th centuary, one of only about half a dozen in the whole country. Colne was founded by two men who walked from Barnoldswick every sunday and back home again in the evening1767 - Started in an upper room behind Market Street, near what was the Old court House Minister John Stuttard.1788 - Church built on land bought from the cunliffes of Wycollar Hall junction of Colne lane and west street ( Land known as Nailors croft, There was no Baptistry so Baptisms were performed in a large well in the tannery yard waterside ( St Helens Well )1800 - First Sunday School formed indeed the first in the area.1818 - Mr Stuttard Died. Peter Scott took his place and in1826 - The inghamites, who had bought the church in colne lane for £450 took over and a Baptist Church ( Zion ) was built on East Parade (now Keighly Road ) and opened later the same year1831/37 - Rev.Wm. Penfold Scott Five years without Minister1842-44 - Rev. Edward Jones Three years without Minister1848-50 - Rev.James Bury1850-52 - Mr James Park Increased membership Four years without minister1853 - Plans for building a seperate building for use as a sunday school, Vestries for Ministers and Deacons1856 -59 - Rev Robert Botterill. Many Baptisms. Applications for permission to conduct Marriages in the Church. Three years without a Minister.( withdrawal from membership of Lancashire and Cheshire Association and alliance with the strict Baptist Association sought )1862 - 78 - Rev James Bury. Many more Bapptismss. Once more became a member of Lancashire and Cheshire Associations.1869 - Centenary celebrations addressed by Jabez Stuttard ( Descendent of John Stuttard, The first minister ).1877 - Proposal to build a new Church on the site of the present one (zion) . work began 4-5 years later.1878 - Church purchased properties No:9, 11, and 13 Keighley RoadRev. Bury ended his ministry.1879 -86 -Mr Alfred Parker Invited to preach and in1880 - took office.1882 - Last Baptismal service conducted at zion

1883 - Church known as Trinity completed and opened Sixteen month later withou minister1887-95 - Rev Robert Latimer commenced his ministry1891 - New Organ installed at a cost £912 During rev latimers Ministrythe final payments were made for the church building and he conducteda successful Lay preachers class.1896-1903 Rev. Sandy Kent increased membership.During this time, in 1902 electricity replaced gas lighting Thirteen months without a minister1904-17 - Rev.Cornelius Davis of Trowbridge appointed - increased membership.1906 - plot of land bought in Albert Road on which to build a mission church - cost of land and building £2,254.001907 -Mssion Church opened and progressed until1914 - when at the outbreak of the first world war the workers were taken into the forces and it was closed down.1919 - Building Mission Church sold and converted into offices known as Rigg Brothers and at present manufacturers of underwear 1919 - 25 - Rev A.B.Philips apointed. Died whilst conducting a serviceat Albert Road methodist Church.1926 -32 -Rev.T,J Harvey appointed. cntenary celebration of the chuurches east Parade.1933 - 38 - Rev. J Bently - 50th Jubillee of Trinity Doldrums. Thining of members due to state of trade and employment which caused people to seek a livelihood in other area's Two years without a Minister Once more we were at war.1941-42 - Mr Rowland Hill was Minister.1943-46 - Rev. Hugh Jenkins . women were allowed to serve as deacons.No Baptisms were held. Two and a half years without a Minister1948 - 49 - Rev J Campbell Lee . none resident Minister1950 Any Deacon having served on a diaconate for ten years or more to be appointed Hon.life Deacon.1953 - 58 - Rev Pilling During Rev pillings ministry a bridge the campaign was organised resulting in new members1959 - 65 - Rev George Bradley.1968 - 70 - Rev J.A.Tall. New church built in Sunday school room Baptistry in lecture room . Trinity Baptist Church was sold and now used as a furniture store1983 - 84 - Moderator Rev Roy Parker.1984 Lease re purchased and demolition plans put into operation by Pendle council in exchange for a rent free 30 year lease of land to use as a car park with an option to build a new church after 10 years if required.Youth organisations at the turn of the centuary Gymnasium, 5th colne baptist Scouts and guides, Band of hope, Christian endeavours1955 1st Colne Boys Brigade1965 Girls Life Brigade later Girls Brigade ( 1st Colne) 2011 And today youth work still goes on at Trinity Baptist Church with sunday school young and older youth clubs, street dance, Holiday clubs, Toddlers retreat and family services.